"I'm a computer programmer by trade, but photography is what I love. I was 14 years old when my father gave me my first camera, and I took photos of everything. Of course, living in Ukraine, there was no place to send film for developing, so I had to learn to do it myself. I shot most everything in black-and-white because it was cheaper and simpler. I still have some of those early photos.

"I'm excited about every shoot, whether it's maternity, newborn, family, or event. I do my preparation, look for good locations, and build a lot of my own props. I want to make people look great in the shots and feel good about themselves. Photography allows me to be a part of a special moment in people's lives and preserve it for them."